22 Jan 2020: 26 Jamadi-1, 1441: Vol: 12, No: 114
*anti-citizenship act stir*
CAA: SC refuses to stay CAA, gives Centre 4 weeks to reply, bars HCs from passing orders on pleas; Assam, Tripura petitions to be heard separately
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/supreme-court-caa-live-updates-6229042/
SC hearing on CAA: The Supreme Court today refused to stay the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) until it heard the Centre’s response and hinted that it would set up a 5-judge Constitution bench to hear the matter. A 3-judge bench headed by CJI S A Bobde, which was hearing a batch of 143 pleas, granted the Centre 4 weeks to reply. It also restrained all high courts from hearing pleas related to CAA till it decided on petitions. During the hearing, Attorney General KK Venugopal arguing for Centre said the government had been given copies of only 60 of 143 pleas and hence required more time to respond. AG seeks a period of 6 weeks to file counters on the grounds that about 80 more petitions have been filed. CJI Bobde said the court may refer matter to a Constitution Bench. Senior advocates AM Singhvi, Kapil Sibal appearing for the petitioners requested the court to put on hold operation of CAA and postpone the exercise of NPR for the time being. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal arguing for the petitioners says that the NPR process will start in April and many states have already begun the process of documentation. Stating that citizenship once granted can’t be reversed, Sibal requests court to grant a nearby date. "Kindly postpone (NPR)process for 3 months. In the meanwhile your lordships can decide," he told in the court. The bench also said it will hear petitions pertaining to Assam and Tripura separately as the problem with CAA in these two states is different from rest of the country. "The petitions concerning Assam and Tripura as well as matters related to Uttar Pradesh, which is going ahead with the implementation of CAA without framing any rules, can be dealt with separately," the court said.
The petitions contend that CAA stands against the basic structure of the Constitution and is illegal. Petitioners include Congress MP Jairam Ramesh, IUML, and its MPs, Lok Sabha MP and AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, TMC MP Mahua Moitra, All Assam Students’ Union and Tripura royal scion Pradyot Kishore Deb Barman.indianexpress
In CAA Hearing, Spotlight on NPR Fears as SC Told 40 Lakh Marked ‘Doubtful’ in UP
https://www.news18.com/news/india/in-caa-hearing-spotlight-on-npr-fears-as-sc-told-40-lakh-marked-doubtful-in-up-2468591.html
The Supreme Court today said it could consider taking up matters related to the implementation of CAA in Uttar Pradesh separately after being told that the state has started identifying refugees and migrants under the contentious law without the rules being framed.Senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi told 3-judge bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde that the CAA process has already started in UP as he along with other petitioners pressed the court to stay or defer its implementation along with that of the NPR till a judgment is passed.Uttar Pradesh government has, according to sources, initiated the process of collecting information about refugees and migrants in a prescribed format from district authorities across the state.Shrikant Sharma, Uttar Pradesh minister and government spokesperson, had also said that 32,000 non-Muslims who could gain citizenship have already been identified, but did not specify what criteria was followed for this.Singhvi told the apex court that two weeks ago, people were also marked with tick and cross in UP. “Doubtful, maybe, to be verified. This process has not happened in 70 years, why not wait two more months. This is happening even without the Rules being made," he said.He further added that without the rules, as many as 40 lakh people have been marked “doubtful” in the state, Live Law reported. This, he claimed, has happened in 19 districts of UP. “Their right to vote will be lost. Kindly stay the process. That's our prayer. This will prevent a lot of chaos and insecurity,” he said. Senior advocate KV Vishwanathan also submitted that if any person is marked as a 'doubtful citizen' during NPR process, it will lead to problems not just for Muslims, but also Hindus.news18
CAA a sinister precursor to NPR, NRC: Chandra Shekhar Azad, 4 others move plea in SC
https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/caa-2019-a-sinister-precursor-to-npr-nrc-chandra-shekhar-azad-4-others-move-plea-in-supreme-court
SC abdicated its duties towards constitution: Ravi Nair convenor of Alliance against CAA & NRC
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/sc-abdicated-its-duties-towards-constitution-says-convenor-of-alliance-against-caa-nrc
New Delhi;Commenting on the Supreme Court’s refusal today to stay implementation of controversial CAA, eminent civil rights activist and Convenor of the Alliance Against CAA & NRC Ravi Nair said the top court has “abdicated” its duties towards the Constitution of India.“Not at all surprising,” said Nair about the SC refusing to stay CAA.“The Supreme Court has abdicated its duties towards the Constitution. It should have stayed the CAA until full and final decision was taken,” said Nair.India Tomorrow
SC's refusal to stay CAA disappointing: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/supreme-courts-refusal-to-stay-caa-disappointing-jamaat-e-islami-hind
New Delhi:Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, one of the largest socio-religious Muslim organizations in India, has termed as “disappointing” the Supreme Court’s refusal to stay the controversial CAA.“We had expected that the Supreme Court would come forward for help of the people and stay the CAA because it is the responsibility of the Supreme Court to fix the error committed by the Parliament. Supreme Court’s refusal today to stay the implementation of CAA has disappointed us,” said Mohammad Salim Engineer, Vice President of Jamaat.He said the past one month was enough time for the centre to respond to all petitions and the SC should have given its final verdict today.indiatomorrow
Shaheen Bagh Protesters: Court Decides After 4 or 40 Weeks, We Won't Retreat Until CAA Is Withdrawn
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/shaheen-bagh-protesters-court-decides-after-4-or-40-weeks-we-wont-retreat-until-caa-is-withdrawn
New Delhi:The Supreme Court’s refusal to interim stay on CAA, has failed to weaken the resolve of Shaheen Bagh protesters.The women protesters, who have been squatting on the road under a makeshift tarpaulin tent for more than a month now, asserted that they would continue their protest till their demand was met and CAA goes lock, stock and barrel.“We will not go back from the road till the (Narendra) Modi government withdraws CAA. This is our firm resolve. Let everybody in the government and outside the government know,” women protesters told India Tomorrow. They said were ready to continue their protest not only for another four weeks but even for the next four months.India Tomorrow
It’s a setback to ‘opposition elements’:BJP
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/no-stay-on-caa-its-a-setback-to-opposition-elements-says-bjp/article30626050.ece
New Delhi :BJP has described the Supreme Court’s rejection of a stay on CAA till the petitions are heard by a Constitution bench as a setback to the opposition.Party spokesperson and MP G.V. L. Narasimha Rao said in a statement that the rejection of a stay on the CAA till the matter is heard “is a slap for those who were unleashing violence on the streets and attempting to bulldoze institutions to suit their political agenda.”“Central government will present all the arguments in favour of CAA and are confident that the hon’ble Court will find this humanitarian legislation within ambit of constitutional framework and reflecting its spirit,” he said. thehindu
Citizenship Act: Women protest outside Supreme Court hours before judges hear pleas related to law
https://scroll.in/latest/950674/citizenship-act-women-begin-sit-in-outside-supreme-court-hours-before-judges-hear-pleas-against-law
A group of women protested against the CAA outside the Supreme Court late on Tuesday night. They were from Delhi’s Rani Garden area, according to activist group Pinjra Tod. Police forced the women to disperse, and detained one of them, Pinjra Tod added. The protest came hours before the top court hears more than 140 petitions related to the controversial law.scroll
CAA in SC: It's a serious matter, court hearing was positive, says PK Kunhalikutty, IUML leader
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/supreme-court-caa-live-updates-6229042/
PK Kunhalikutty, IUML general secretary felt that the court hearing was positive."This is a very serious matter. Once citizenship is given, it cannot be taken back. Kapil Sibal had strongly argued that since the matter involves a lot of legalities, it must not be implemented now and must be postponed. The government has asked time to respond and the SC has given four weeks' time. Kapil Sibal also asked for the matter to be referred to a larger constitution bench. People who listened to the hearing felt the court was positive to the request. IUML had also pleaded that there are contradictory statements being made (on CAA-NRC) inside and outside Parliament. So the court has issued a notice in this regard."
‘No Stay’ on CAA Rules SC, ‘Disappointing But Struggle Will Continue’: Activists
https://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/NewsDetail/index/9/18204/No-Stay-on-CAA-Rules-SC-Disappointing-But-Struggle-Will-Continue-Say-Activists
DELHI: The Supreme Court refused today to grant an interim stay on the Citizenship Amendment Act, giving the Centre four weeks to respond to all petitions filed. Meanwhile, in response to the SC verdict, Shaheen Bagh protesters have stated that their protests will continue. Brinda Karat of the CPI-M said, “The struggle will continue. It’s disappointing that the Supreme Court has not understood the urgency and given four weeks to the Central government. The SC should have been more sensitive to the urgency of the issue.”Filmmaker Saba Dewan stated that while the delay in the hearing was “disappointing”, “the struggle will not stop.” “Of course, all of us were hoping that the hearings would be today. But in all its wisdom if the Supreme Court has postponed it by a month then we just have to hope that the hearing begins in a month’s time,” she told The Citizen.On state governments’ role in taking forward people’s struggle against CAA, Karat said the states should follow Kerala in blocking NPR.thecitizen
"Every Bagh Can Be Shaheen Bagh": Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad's Warning On CAA
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bhim-army-chief-chandrashekhar-azad-warning-on-caa-every-bagh-can-be-shaheen-bagh-2168128?pfrom=home-topscroll
New Delhi: Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad, in his first interview after being released from jail last week, said the citizenship law CAA is also against Dalits and tribals and not just Muslims. "In the time to come, every Bagh (garden) can be Shaheen Bagh," he warned, speaking to NDTV today."NRC, NPR and CAA are the most anti-Dalit. They are also anti-OBC and anti-tribals, because these people will suffer the most...In the time to come, every Bagh can be Shaheen Bagh. We say the government should do its work, but people are scared. Home Minister is saying he won't take retreat on the law. If he wanted to divide the country, when could he do so if not when the government enjoys a majority. He is doing what has been his agenda."Azad said he would urge his supporters to vote against the BJP in the February 8 Delhi election, but insisted his agenda was not political. "I am against the BJP because BJP is against the constitution" , he said.But added, " Congress has treated us (Dalits) like a vote-bank."ndtv
Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad to visit Shaheen Bagh today
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/bhim-army-chief-chandrashekhar-azad-shaheen-bagh-protests-caa-live-updates-6229629/
New Delhi :A day after a Delhi court allowed him to visit the national capital, Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad will today join the protest at Shaheen Bagh. Making the announcement on Twitter, Azad wrote, “Friends, Jai Bhim, this evening I am coming to the land of our struggle, Shaheen Bagh.”Azad took to Twitter to welcome the order: “I thank the court for giving me permission to enter Delhi. This will embolden people’s faith in the judiciary. This is a win for the Constitution. I will come tomorrow to Delhi. I will not allow the BJP which is breaking this country to form their Government in Delhi.”indianexpress
Anti-CAA protest at Shaheen Bagh a ''threat to security'': BJP MP Goel
https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/anticaa-protest-at-shaheen-bagh-a-threat-to-security-says-vijay-goel/1714829
New Delhi: BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Goel has termed protest against CAA at Shaheen Bagh a "threat to security" and said it was being held by "misled" people.Goel also praised Delhi Police for containing the "threat to security" due to protest at Shaheen Bagh.PTI
JDU's Prashant Kishor dares Amit Shah to implement CAA, NRC in chronology he proposed
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/prashant-kishor-dares-amit-shah-to-implement-caa-nrc-in-chronology-1638992-2020-01-22
JDU leader and political strategist Prashant Kishor has hit out at Home Minister Amit Shah and dared him to implement CAA and NRC in the same "chronology" that he "audaciously announced".In a tweet on Wednesday, Kishor threw a challenge to Amit Shah and said, "Being dismissive of citizens' dissent couldn't be the sign of strength of any Govt. Amit Shah JI, if you don't care for those protesting against CAA, NRC, why don't you go ahead and try implementing CAA & NRC in the chronology that you so audaciously announced to the nation!" Kishor also thanked Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for "formal and unequivocal" rejection of NRC and reassured the people of Bihar, ruled by his party, that CAA and NRC will not be implemented in the state.Kishor, who is part of the ruling JDU in Bihar, is in alliance with BJP in the state government headed by Nitish Kumar. With Prashant Kishor's open praisies of Congress and now the dare to Amit Shah, BJP has been left red-faced.
At Lucknow’s Clock Tower, Over 5,000 Women Protest Against CAA despite police action
https://www.thequint.com/news/india/lucknow-finds-its-own-shaheen-bagh-citizenship-amendment-act-protests-nrc-npr
In Lucknow, a protest against the CAA, NRC and NPR is gaining ground at the city’s clock tower, with more and more women participating, despite the police snatching away their blankets and food on Saturday night.Social Activist Rafat Fatima and Pooja Shukla, the national vice president of Samajwadi Party’s student wing told The Quint how it all began. Shukla said, “It started on Friday when three-four women sat at Ghanta ghar (clock tower). They called me around 3 pm and asked for support. They said they just want more people to join them. We started inviting more people through Facebook to help the movement grow. On the first day, there were 200-300 people.”She added that the next day, people in large numbers poured in near the clock tower.She also added the number of women have drastically increased. On Sunday, more than 5,000 women participated in the protests. Men are not allowed as the nature of the protest is women-centric; however, a lot of them are coming forward to help the protesters.“Our protest is against CAA, NRC and NPR. It's also in solidarity with the women of Shaheen Bagh, Khureji and everywhere else. The government accuses the women of being sold out, of taking money for biryani, but this is wrong. the fight is also against patriarchy,” said Shukla.Fatima also pointed out that despite what the police did on Saturday night, several protesters offered food to the police. She said that the police drink water, eat food from the very people that they snatched away the food from.thequint
As Anti-CAA Protests at Clock Tower Gain Momentum, Lawyers Vow to Protect Constitution
https://www.news18.com/news/india/as-anti-caa-protests-at-lucknows-clock-tower-gain-momentum-lawyers-vow-to-protect-constitution-2467845.html
CAA protest: Thank You For FIR, UP Police, Says Activist In Lucknow
https://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/caa-women-protest-lucknow_in_5e273e54c5b63211761a8c67
'And Amit Shah?' Poet Munawwar Rana Questions '2 Sets Of Laws' After Daughters' Arrests
https://www.ndtv.com/lucknow-news/lucknow-poet-munawwar-rana-on-amit-shahs-rally-after-daughters-arrests-2167764?pfrom=home-topstories
Lucknow:Urdu poet Munawwar Rana, whose 2 daughters have been named in criminal cases by the police after they participated in an ongoing protest against CAA at Lucknow's iconic clock tower, has now accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of violating prohibitory orders, banning large gatherings."My daughters Sumaiya and Fauzia have been booked for violating prohibitory orders but what about Amit Shah who addressed a rally of thousands in the state capital on Tuesday? Surely there were more than four people in the rally. How can there be two sets of the same law for different people?" poet asked.Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Kumar Lallu supported Munawwar Rana, saying: "Why is Section 144 not for Union Home Minister? Common people are being picked up for violating prohibitory orders but when it comes to the ruling BJP, administration happily gives them permission to violate a law."Munawwar Rana said that the case against his daughters and others protesting against CAA and NRC would be a 'injustice' if Mr Shah's rally was termed "legal".Meanwhile, UP State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (UPSCPCR) has sent a letter to the state police chief OP Singh, saying that the presence of children at the protest site was a violation of their rights and action against the parents should be taken without delay.Zoya Hasan, a housewife who is protesting with her two children, aged 6 and 8, reacted strongly to UPSCPCR letter and said, "Let them come and ask my children if they have been forced by us to stay here. I have been asking them to go home but they refuse to do so. Do you think any parent will subject their children to torture? Let them put all of us in jail but we will not budge an inch from here."ndtv
Several including children detained for flying black kites with 'No-CAA, NRC' fly in Lucknow
https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/jan/21/several-including-children-detained-for-flying-black-kites-with-no-caa-nrc-fly-in-lucknow-2092548.html?fbclid=IwAR3n5t8rVN-tLGMpbVJaRq1j_EP5cYdKKmXxfdsYT1hquGEGaEhHerpmWtA
Several including children, have been detained for flying black kites with ‘No CAA, NRC written on them in Lucknow on Tuesday.It was around the same time when Union Home Minister Amit Shah was addressing a pro-CAA rally in Bangla Bazaar area here. More than a dozen persons were seen flying black kites in the posh Mall Avenue area.As soon as the police received information, they rushed to the spot and brought down the kites. Some of those flying kites ran away but some have been detained.IANS
19 Popular Front Members Get Bail As UP Police Fails to Give Evidence
https://caravandaily.com/popular-front-members-get-bail-as-up-police-fails-to-give-evidence/?fbclid=IwAR2c-Vf9P1F6E6jpVyNQQoUYaOU7kdN9GxUMdZus1lNndW4TdLRTPw8EYgo
Lucknow:Uttar Pradesh government’s proposal to ban Popular Front of India (PFI), following its alleged involvement in recent violence during anti-CAA protests, is likely to face trouble since Uttar Pradesh Police has failed to produce ‘substantial evidence’ against its activists.PFI president Wasim Ahmad, who was accused of masterminding violence, was granted bail and released on Tuesday.“The government is merely trying to malign the organisation but without any concrete proof. As many as 19 of 25 PFI members, arrested by the police, have been granted bail because the police had no evidence against us,” he told reporters.On December 23, the Lucknow police had arrested three persons — PFI president Wasim Ahmad, treasurer Nadeem Ali and divisional president Ashfaq, charging them with possession of inflammatory literature, posters, CDs and banners.Hearing on bail pleas of Nadeem Ali and Ashfaq is scheduled next week.Besides, 18 PFI members arrested by the Shamli police, including a key figure, Mohammed Shadab, were also released on bail on Tuesday.IANS
UP CM Yogi in Kanpur says chanting slogans of azadi will amount to sedition
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/latest-news-and-breaking-today-news-live-updates-22nd-january-2020
If anyone will raise slogans of Azadi in the name of protest, it will amount to sedition & the govt will take strict action. It can't be accepted. People can't be allowed to conspire against India from Indian soil, says UP CM Yogi.nationalheraldindia
Magsaysay awardee Sandeep Pandey booked for ‘inappropriate comments’ against Savarkar
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/magsaysay-awardee-sandeep-pandey-booked-for-inappropriate-comments-against-savarkar/article30625498.ece
Aligarh:Magsaysay Award winner and human rights activist Sandeep Pandey has been booked for allegedly making inappropriate comments against Hindutva ideologue Vir Savarkar.On Tuesday, national vice president of Hindu Mahasabha Rajiv Kumar filed a complaint alleging that Pandey made the comments while addressing anti-citizenship law protestors at AMU on Sunday, police said.In his address, Pandey had also said that the same people who “divided Hindus and Muslims” during the British Raj, are doing it now.PTI
On Camera, Women At CAA Protest In UP's Etawah Chased, Thrashed By Cops
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/caa-protest-in-up-etawah-on-camera-women-at-caa-protest-in-up-chased-thrashed-by-cops-2167825?pfrom=home-topscroll
Etawah: Women protesters are chased and caned by the Uttar Pradesh police, who also barge into shops and force them to shut, in mobile phone footage that has emerged from a protest in Etawah against the citizenship law on Tuesday.Video clips show the police chasing the women in the narrow lanes of Pachraha area and raining blows with their batons as they try to break up the protest.In a 17-second clip, the women can be heard shouting and asking the police why they are being assaulted. It is difficult to make out whether the cops hitting the women protestors are men or women, but police sources insist only women police personnel were tackling the women protestors.Other mobile phone clips show the police lathi-charging men who had gathered in the area. In one video, cops are seen entering a roadside eatery, hitting the employees inside and shutting it down forcibly.A policeman is on camera hitting a roadside vendor and asking him to shut shop. A senior policeman is seen in another video abusing protesters. The police have defended their crackdown, saying the protesters had thrown stones at them first.The protest took place in Pachraha yesterday afternoon.ndtv
UP CAA protests: Firozabad FIRs same, accused fear will be blamed for deaths
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/up-caa-protests-firozabad-firs-same-accused-fear-will-be-blamed-for-deaths-6228898/
Firozabad police registered FIRs against eight people under the Arms Act following December 20 protests against CAA, resulting in seven deaths. FIRs against five mention they were rounded up in an “injured” condition, while six FIRs claim the accused had “confessed” to have fired from illegal weapons. Relatives of the eight accused fear the FIRs could be a way of holding them responsible for casualties.Police are still investigating the cause of seven deaths. Postmortems in case of six failed to recover bullets, as reported by Indian Express earlier.Thirteen people are in judicial custody for the Firozabad anti-CAA violence, including the 8 under Arms Act. All 13 are facing charges under Section 307 of IPC, which is attempt to murder, along with crimes like dacoity and damaging public and private property, rioting and criminal intimidation.indianexpress
Counsel kids in Shaheen Bagh, may suffer mental trauma: NCPCR
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/counsel-kids-in-shaheen-bagh-may-suffer-mental-trauma-ncpcr-6228713/?fbclid=IwAR35MHrhN410mi93StgVErlrNsS8Q8bvscBwTiyRspjAR_mdQPDL9z-Z4LM
New Delhi : National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has issued an order to District Magistrate of South East Delhi to identify the children involved in Shaheen Bagh protests and send them for counselling. In its order, NCPCR said the children “may suffer from mental trauma” because of “rumours and miscommunication” regarding the CAA.“We issued the order Tuesday. This order is based on viral videos, which show children saying things like ‘Prime Minister will throw us out of the country’, and ‘(if we don’t show documents to Home Minister, he will send us to detention camps’. This is the effect of rumours regarding CAA. For the children to be affected by this and say things like this is extremely worrying. We believe the children are in need of intense counselling. If need be, their parents should also be sent for counselling,” said chairperson NCPCR Priyank Kanoongo. indianexpress
'Modi is afraid', women take lead in India's citizenship protests:The guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/21/modi-is-afraid-women-take-lead-in-indias-citizenship-protests?CMP=share_btn_fb&fbclid=IwAR2P-5BXBXelqSMIsUVE5AfGw7oxEhCAiTohEkknr7LvURhwwXwZNFMNsgE
‘A Man from my Tribe Died in a Detention Camp’: DU Students Protest
https://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/NewsDetail/index/9/18198/A-Man-from-My-Tribe-died-in-a-Detention-Camp-DU-Students-Protest-Against-CAA-NRC?fbclid=IwAR00PhCnf3KvrjV_D8Nlu6-KtJjlcuK6IJhyGZuc324MILBv9LC_bjoPZNk
‘You’re Hindu, How Is Your Name Robin?’: UP Police to An Activist
https://www.thequint.com/videos/news-videos/caa-protests-youre-hindu-how-is-your-name-robin-up-police-to-an-activist?utm_campaign=5045214a-9d02-4d1e-ab73-b805be76d46c&utm_source=smugglr&utm_medium=fb_messenger_bot&fbclid=IwAR1Yw_EWB-3TjwtAi1Mvr31qgnFn8BXZix4ooPrlVJluO88Vef4DpiTlqn8
These were some of questions that UP police put forth when they had arrested activist Robin Verma in Lucknow on 20 December.A day prior to his arrest, Verma had gone to participate in a peaceful anti CAA protest at Parivartan Chowk. He claims that the police subjected him to physical as well as mental torture while in custody, which included religion-specific comments and snide remarks about family members. “On 20 December, I was with my friend Omar Rashid, who is a journalist with The Hindu. We were eating near BJP office when a few people, who were not in police uniforms, came to us. They said that they were from the police and asked us to come along with them. They didn’t show us any arrest warrant at that point of time. They took our mobile phones and didn’t produce any documents for that as well,” said Robin. The activist, said, the quint
Rihai Manch Chief Says RSS, BJP Conspired to Turn Peaceful Protests Violent in UP
https://thewire.in/rights/bjp-anti-caa-protests-up
New Delhi: Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday after his release from Lucknow district prison, senior lawyer and president of Rihai Manch, Mohammad Shoaib alleged that peaceful agitations against the CAA and NRC on December 19, were disrupted by RSS and BJP members and turned violent.“We have reason to believe that it was a well thought out conspiracy,” Shoaib added. He said, “I was also arrested during the Emergency and back then I was hailed as a freedom fighter but today I am portrayed as a rioter and conspirator.”thewire
Questions on parents in NPR form may be dropped: Union Minister Paswan
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/questions-on-parents-in-npr-form-may-be-dropped-ram-vilas-paswan/article30619261.ece?homepage=true
New Delhi:The patriarch of key BJP ally LJP and Union Minister, Ram Vilas Paswan has said the government may consider the widespread demand to remove the questions on date and place of birth of a respondent’s parents from NPR. “Even I don’t know the date of birth of my parents, forget about producing documents proving the dates,” Paswan said.He said the government would consider acceding to the demand and had repeatedly clarified that the production of documents would not be mandatory.So far, there is no official notification from Ministry of Home Affairs, which is helming the exercise, on changes to NPR form. The government has not yet notified NPR form.Various State governments have insisted that these 2 questions should be removed from NPR form because a vast majority of respondents will not be able to produce any proof of date of birth and place of birth of their parents.NPR exercise by far, Paswan said, is similar to the Census, which happens at the turn of every decade.The Hindu
Yechury calls for civil disobedience against citizenship law
https://www.deccanherald.com/state/yechury-calls-for-civil-disobedience-against-citizenship-law-796904.html
Kalaburagi City witnessed a massive turnout of people for the national convention against CAA, NRC and NPR, organised by Karnataka People’s Forum, at Peer Bengali Dargah grounds here on Tuesday.The national convention resolved not to furnish any documents for NRC and NPR and not support the process. Addressing the gathering, CPI (M) Leader Sitaram Yechury, termed CAA, NRC and NPR unconstitutional and called for a civil disobedience movement against the citizenship law. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, ex chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, social activist Swami Agnivesh, KPCC working president Eshwar Khandre, MLAs MY Patil, B Narayanrao, former IAS officer Sasikanth Senthil and others took part in the convention.deccanherald
In Wasseypur protest, women take lead: ‘Maa, mulk nahi badla jata’
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/in-wasseypur-protest-women-take-lead-maa-mulk-nahi-badla-jata-6228802/
Wasseypur :Surrounded by collieries, the Wasseypur region in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad has long been affected by gang violence. However, for the last 20 days, it is the women of the area that have been in the news. Traditionally limited to their households, women, for the first time in Wasseypur, have taken to the forefront of protests, holding demonstrations against CAA and NRC.On Tuesday, around 500 women gathered at the protest site. Tabassu Khan, in her forties, claimed she votes for the BJP. “We did not say anything when Babri (Masjid) verdict came. We did not utter a word on the laws on instant triple talaq. But CAA is completely anti-democratic and discriminatory,” she said. She said her children’s exams are around the corner, but she has not been able give them time.One of the oldest women protestors is Sehrin Nisha, in her 80s. She said, “I don’t have any documents and don’t have any home. I live with my relatives and I am an Indian.”indianexpress
Delhi 10,000 Balloons With Anti-CAA-NRC Banners Released at Khureji Khas
https://www.thequint.com/news/india/balloons-with-anti-caa-nrc-messages-released-at-khureji-khas
Almost 10,000 black balloons were released with the messages of “No CAA NPR NRC” at a protest in Delhi’s Khureji Khas on Tuesday.According to local media reports, more than a hundred women were present at the rally, echoing the protests in Shaheen Bagh and Prayagraj's Mansoor Ali Park.Earlier on Tuesday, a few Shaheen Bagh protesters met Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and discussed opening of road blockade.thequint
CAA Protest: Varsities, Colleges In Entire Northeast Remained Shut today
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/-caa-protest-varsities-colleges-in-entire-northeast-remained-shut-on-wednesday
Guwahati;All 40 universities and 800 colleges across the Northeastern states where the students have taken an oath to fight unitedly against the contentious CAA, remained shut on Wednesday to bring pressure on the Central government to withdraw the new citizenship law.The shutdown also coincided with the Supreme Court hearing on petitions challenging the CAA. The student associations in all these universities and colleges also staged protest by organising demonstrations and holding lectures in their campuses. The call for shutdown was given by organizations like All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), North East Students’ Organisation (NESO), Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad (AJYCP), All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU), Nagaland University Research Scholar Forum (NURSF), Nagaland Theological Colleges’ Association (NTCA), Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) and many other students organisations.The varsities that remained shut include the Gauhati University, Dibrugarh University, North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Tezpur University, Assam Women’s University (AWU), Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Nagaland University, Rajiv Gandhi University, and North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST) university, Arunachal Pradesh.indiatomorrow
University, college students in northeast boycott classes in protest against citizenship act
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/university-college-students-in-northeast-boycott-classes-in-protest-against-citizenship-act/story-jLecduuOiUC1DnvgXK54TL.html
"Debate With A Bearded Man": Owaisi Takes Up Amit Shah Dare
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/caa-citizenship-amendment-act-asaduddin-owaisi-takes-up-amit-shah-dare-do-it-with-a-bearded-man-2167896?pfrom=home-topscroll
Hyderabad politician Asaduddin Owaisi has challenged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to a face-off on the CAA after BJP leader dared opposition leaders like Mamata Banerjee, Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav to a debate on the controversial law, accused of being discriminatory towards Muslims."Why debate with them? Debate with me," he said."You should debate with me. I am here. Why debate with them? The debate should be with a bearded man. I can debate with them on CAA, NPR and NRC," he said, according to ANI, in reference to the facial hair that Muslim men are required to maintain.ndtv
Mayawati first to accept Amit Shah’s challenge for public debate on CAA
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/mayawati-first-to-accept-shahs-challenge-for-debate-on-caa-6229900/
New Delhi: A day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah dared opposition leaders for a public discussion on the contentious CAA, BSP supremo Mayawati Wednesday said her party accepts his challenge for a debate “at any forum and at any place.”“The government, disturbed by protests against the controversial CAA/NRC/NPR, by the entire country, especially the youth and women, has challenged the Opposition to debate on the matter. BSP accepts the challenge to debate on it at any forum and at any place,” Mayawati tweeted.indianexpress
‘No one can touch you’: Rajnath assures Muslims at pro-CAA rally
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/no-one-can-touch-you-rajnath-singh-assures-muslim-at-pro-caa-rally/story-jpXbgUnuXRpllZUzAeojsM.html
Meerut:Defence minister Rajnath Singh today sought to allay the fears of Muslims about the CAA and accused opposition parties of raising a bogey over the law.He assured Muslims that nobody could touch them and suggested they could approach the government if the need arose.At a rally in support of CAA in Meerut’s Shatabdi Nagar area, Singh claimed that the discussion on NRC started after the country became independent and Assam was the first state where it had to be implemented. HT
New swipe at CAA? Microsoft CEO Nadella says nations without immigrants risk losing out
https://theprint.in/india/new-swipe-at-caa-satya-nadella-says-nations-without-immigrants-risk-losing-out/352827/
New Delhi: Countries that fail to attract immigrants risk losing out as the global technology industry continues to grow, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has said in an interview to Bloomberg, days after he criticised the CAA. “Every country is rethinking what is in their national interest”but governments should “maintain that modicum of enlightenment and not think about it very narrowly”, Nadella said in an interview to Bloomberg on the sidelines of WEF at Davos.“People will only come when people know you’re an immigrant-friendly country,” he added.However, Nadella went on to add that he continues to be an “India optimist” owing to its “70-year history of nation-building”.theprint
Pakistan hand suspected behind propaganda about CAA in Iran: Economic Times
Pakistan hand suspected behind propaganda about CAA in Iran:economictimes
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/pakistan-hand-suspected-behind-false-propaganda-about-caa-in-iran/articleshow/73516745.cms
New Delhi: Pakistan may have tried to play spoilsport to derail Indo-Iran ties coinciding with Foreign Minister S Jaishankar's visit to Tehran last month through the circulation of a fake letter on CAA & protests, Indian establishment suspects.A letter signed by members of Indian community in Iran and addressed to Jaishankar was circulated ahead of his visit claiming that the community was concerned over CAA and protests in India, ET has reliably learnt. Members of the community even wanted to meet Jaishankar to voice their concern over CAA according to the letter.“Upon learning of your visit to Iran scheduled for 21st and 22nd of December from the press release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, we Indians living in Iran wish to meet with you in Tehran. The proximate cause for this request is the wave of popular public protests that have swept over our country in the past 10 days, in which a number of our countrymen have been attacked or detained by the police, while several of our fellow Indians have lost their lives too.However, what has worried us even more than this loss of precious lives is the danger posed by the present government’s policies to the peaceful co-existence long enjoyed by Indians belonging to different communities, including Hindus and Muslims…Therefore, we strongly urge you to make time for an open and free interaction with us during your visit so that as citizens of India, we may have the opportunity to seek answers to our questions and concerns,” said the letter termed fake by Indian establishment and its counterpart in Tehran. Around 70-75 Indian families, mostly Sikhs, reside in Tehran and Zahedan and no representation was given to Jaishankar on CAA, sources told ET.The letter even got published in an Iranian agency – Mehr.
Before CAA, string of govt orders made it impossible for Muslim migrants to get citizenship
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/before-caa-string-of-government-orders-made-it-impossible-for-muslim-migrants-to-get-indian-citizenship/articleshow/73516606.cms
Even as protests over the CAA rage across India, a review of government orders (GO) by TOI shows that the government has been steadily placing hurdles in the way of Muslims seeking Indian citizenship since December 2014.The most significant GO is October 22, 2018 amendment to the Passport (Entry into India) Rules, 1950 and Foreigners Act, 1946, discriminating against Muslims and atheists for the grant of long-term visas (LTVs). Changed LTV regulations say, “Only members of minority communities in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, namely, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians, are eligible to apply for long-term visas.”Under the Citizenship Act of 1955, a residential permit, or LTV, is one of the main requirements for getting Indian citizenship through naturalisation. Denying LTVs to Muslim migrants, in effect, filters them out of the process from the start, regardless of the passage of the CAA this year.Lawyers have now moved the Supreme Court seeking the repeal of the CAA and some of these government orders. Joint Forum Against NRC has been working on this since 2016, when CAB was introduced, said activist Prasenjit Bose, who has challenged the CAA and some of these government orders in the SC. “We realised that the foundation for CAA was laid long before it was enacted,” Bose said.Lawyers say the orders discriminate on grounds of religion and should be deemed unconstitutional as per Article 14 of the Constitution. Lawyers say the government’s moves are a human rights issue more than a legal one.TOI
Citizenship Act, npr are a 'conspiracy' to take away voting rights: MP Kumar Ketkar
https://www.deccanherald.com/national/national-politics/citizenship-act-national-population-register-are-a-conspiracy-to-take-away-voting-rights-congress-mp-kumar-ketkar-796996.html
Rajya Sabha MP Kumar Ketkar has said CAA and the NPR were part of a "conspiracy" to take away voting rights of citizens.He was speaking at a protest organised here against the CAA, NPR and NRC.About 16 educational and social organisations, under the aegis of 'Federation of Organisation for Social Justice Secularism and Democracy', had organised the protest. The protest also sought to create public awareness on various aspects of CAA, NPR and NRC, its organisers said.PTI
CAA-NRC fallout in Karnataka: People decline to share details
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/caa-nrc-fallout-in-ktaka-people-decline-to-share-details/articleshow/73510595.cms
Bengaluru: People in parts of Karnataka have declined to share personal information with officials visiting households in connection with government programmes, suspecting them to be gathering data for NRC following the enactment of CAA, state officials said.This was the focal point of a discussion at a video-conference the revenue department had with district-level officials on Tuesday. Several officials said they have not been able to gather data they require for welfare schemes, in the wake of protests against the CAA and NRC.Although these instances are reported mostly from areas dominated with minorities and in coastal Karnataka, districts like Vijayapura and Mysuru too have witnessed such issues. Officials have had a foretaste of what could probably lie ahead when they commence work on updating the census data as well as NPR in mid-April.economictimes
Bengaluru Shivajinagar market shuts down as traders join protest against NRC-CAA
https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/bengaluru-shivajinagar-market-shuts-down-traders-join-protest-against-nrc-caa-116568
Bengaluru’s Shivajinagar is typically bustling with activity on a weekday morning, but there was a lull in business on Tuesday as many shops surrounding the Russell Market closed on Monday for a protest rally against the CAA, NRC and NPR organised by the Muslim Jamaats Joint Action Committee. Road closures were put in place as police expected crowd to hamper traffic movement on the road leading from Shivajinagar Bus Stand to Russell Market. Similar closures were instituted on the HKP Road. The protesters were joined by Congress MLA and ex-minister Zameer Ahmed Khan and Shivajinagar MLA Rizwan Arshad briefly as well.thenewsminute
Hyderabad: Women to stage 48-hour protest against CAA-NRC-NPR
https://www.siasat.com/hyderabad-women-stage-48-hour-protest-against-caa-nrc-npr-1800387/
Hyderabad: A 48-hour protest is scheduled to be held at Darulshifa Ground against CAA, NRC and NPR. In the protest meeting, women will express their views against the controversial laws.This protest meeting will start at 11 a.m. on Saturday, 25th January.siasat
Mamata holds anti-CAA rally in Darjeeling, alleges discrimination against Gorkhas
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-holds-anti-caa-rally-in-darjeeling-alleges-discrimination-against-gorkhas/story-vrlv0zRoSx7crjxIagFbaI.html
Kolkata;West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee held a roadshow in Darjeeling where she questioned the rationale behind implementing the CAA in the hill region when it is not applicable in Northeastern states.“Why this discrimination? Why did you (Centre) leave out one lakh Gorkhas from the National Register of Citizens in Assam? Why did you leave out 13 lakh Hindus? Indians are now asking whether they have to fight for their freedom 70 years after Independence,” said Banerjee.HT
2 crore Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators in India, none will be allowed to stay: Dilip Ghosh
https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-2-crore-bangladeshi-muslim-infiltrators-in-india-none-will-be-allowed-to-stay-dilip-ghosh-2810335
2 days after claiming that 50 lakh Muslim infiltrators will be 'identified' and 'chased out of the country', West Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh on Tuesday said that there are nearly one crore Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators in the state while another one crore are spread across the country. "2 crore Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators have entered India. 1 crore are in West Bengal and 1 crore have spread across the country. We will not allow any Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrator to stay here. If their names are in voters' list then it will be removed," Ghosh said while addressing a pro-CAA rally in Cooch Behar.DNA
Kerala govt does not need governor’s permission to move SC: ex-CJI Sathasivam Amid CAA Battle
https://www.news18.com/news/india/kerala-govt-does-not-need-governors-permission-to-move-sc-says-ex-cji-sathasivam-amid-caa-battle-2467431.html
New Delhi: Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan's predecessor and former Chief Justice P Sathasivam on Tuesday said state government did not need Governor’s permission to approach the Supreme Court on any issue. Sathasivam was clear that CM was not duty-bound to have informed the Governor before moving the SC, but said that “as a matter of courtesy” should apprise (Governor) of all important issues. news18
Jamia violence: Delhi court seeks police report by March 16
https://scroll.in/latest/950745/jamia-violence-delhi-court-seeks-police-report-by-march-16
A court in Delhi on Wednesday directed the police to file a report by March 16 on the action taken to address the police violence at Jamia Millia Islamia on December 15. Metropolitan Magistrate Rajat Goyal issued directions after university officials sought the registration of a first information report against the police.On January 13, hundreds of Jamia students had surrounded VC Najma Akhtar’s office in protest against the lack of action against the police, and sought an FIR against the police. The university assured the students it would take all possible measures to address their concerns.scroll
Understand implications of CAA: Punjab CM sends copy of Hitler’s ‘Mein Kampf’ to SAD chief Badal
https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/understand-implications-of-caa-punjab-cm-sends-copy-of-hitler-s-mein-kampf-to-sad-chief-sukhbir-singh-badal/543642
Chandigarh: The move to roll out CAA by BJP-led central government has shown cracks in the NDA, as several of the saffron party’s allies have rejected and opposed the law calling it ‘discriminatory’ and ‘unconstitutional’.Old NDA allies from Punjab, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), has also vehemently opposed BJP’s stand on CAA and said that it discriminates on the basis of religion and is against the ethos of the Constitution of India. SAD has also told its NDA kin that it would extend support, given certain amendments are made.However, Punjab Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Captain Amarinder Singh continued to criticise the SAD after the latter voted in favour of the contentious law in both Houses of Parliament in December.Singh challenged SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal’s comment about the former’s take on CAA as “anti-Sikh”, and in response sent a copy of Adolf Hitler’s autobiography ‘Mein Kampf’ to SAD supremo on Wednesday, advising him to read and understand the dangerous undertones of the legislation.“Given the current attempts by the Centre to replicate Hitler's agenda in India, it was important for the SAD leaders to read the German Nazi leader’s autobiography before coming out with “irrational reactions” on the CAA,” the Punjab Chief Minister said, according to IANS.Singh added that “recent statements of various Akali leaders, including Sukhbir, clearly exposed their ignorance on this sensitive issue, with grave repercussions for the nation”, and urged the SAD chief to decide “whether it’s ‘country first’ or ‘political expediency’” after reading the book.timesnownews
Goa Church Wing Organises Anti-CAA Meet In Margao On Jan 24
https://www.republicworld.com/india-news/general-news/goa-church-wing-organises-anti-caa-meet-in-margao-on-jan-24.html
Mumbai:A wing of Goa Church and other organisations have planned a public meeting against CAA-NRC-NPR regime on Friday in Margao town in South Goa. The meeting will be organised on the Lohia Maidan by the Council for CSJP, a wing of Goa Church, NCHRO and the Concerned Citizens for Goa, a CSJP office-bearer told reporters in Margao on Wednesday."The meeting is organised with the objective to condemn Union govt's act of endangering the Constitution. We will register our total disapproval of the CAA, NRC and NPR," said CSJP executive secretary Fr Savio Fernandes.PTI
Always opposed CAA-NRC but Delhi election will be fought on local issues: Kejriwal
https://www.aninews.in/news/national/politics/always-opposed-caa-nrc-but-delhi-election-will-be-fought-on-local-issues-kejriwal20200122190603/
New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said that he has cleared his stand on the CAA-NRC while asserting that the assembly elections should not be fought on national issues."We have always opposed CAA-NRC issue, and voted against it in the Parliament as well, but I believe the Delhi elections will be fought on issues which affect the national capital," he said.He also urged people of Delhi, 'especially the workers of BJP and Congress to vote in favour of AAP in the upcoming Assembly elections'.ANI
La Ilaha Illallah Not Communal, Shaheen Bagh a Reaction to 5 Years of Fear: Najeeb Jung
https://www.news18.com/news/politics/la-ilaha-illallah-not-communal-shaheen-bagh-a-reaction-to-5-years-of-fear-former-delhi-l-g-najeeb-jung-2468661.html
Delhi’s former Lt Governor Najeeb Jung is back in action. He has addressed protesters outside Jamia Millia Islamia, backed the women of Shaheen Bagh, declared that the anti-CAA movement will continue till the tarmeem (amendment) is withdrawn and has advised the central government that it can’t afford to be seen as anti-minority. Replying to the question that La Ilaha Illallah at the CAA protests is exclusionary or necessary, Jung said, "That’s just an emotional call. I don’t think it’s a communal one. The main thing is that protestors read out the Preamble, today they chant Vande Mataram. The greatest improvement, because of the CAA agitation, is that Muslims understand there is nothing in wrong in singing Vande Mataram." news18
*J&K AND S. ASIA*
Trump meets Imran Khan in Davos, offers ‘help’ on Kashmir issue
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/donald-trump-imran-khan-kashmir-davos-6228808/
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday reiterated his offer to “help” on the Kashmir issue, as he met Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in Davos, Switzerland on the sidelines of World Economic Forum.Interestingly, Trump volunteered US’s “help” even before Khan spoke — without any prompting or provocation.Addressing the media with Khan at his side, Trump said, “We are talking about Kashmir and in relation to what is going on with Pakistan and India and if we can help — we certainly will be helping. We’ve been following that and watching it very very closely. Khan said it was US which will be able to help resolve the issue, and said that he had pinned his hopes on US President.This is the fourth time that Trump has made such an offer – each time, India has rejected his proposal.His latest offer comes in the backdrop of talks between Delhi and Washington about Trump possibly visiting India this year, anytime between February and Sept. indianexpress
Pakistan has ‘limited options’ to respond to India’s decision on Jammu and Kashmir: Report
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pakistan-response-to-india-decision-on-jammu-kashmir-article-370-6229589/
Washington :Pakistan’s leadership has “limited options” to respond to India’s decision on Jammu and Kashmir as many analysts view that Islamabad has “little credibility” on the issue given its long history of covertly supporting militant groups there, according to a US Congressional report. Congressional Research Service (CRS) in its second report on Kashmir in less than six months also said that Pakistan’s ability to alter the status quo through military action has been reduced in recent years, meaning that Islamabad likely must rely primarily on diplomacy.CRS is the independent research wing of the US Congress which prepares periodic reports on issues of interest for US lawmakers so that they can take informed decisions inside Congress. Currently, two resolutions are pending in the House of Representatives, one of which is being sponsored by Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal.In its report dated January 13, CRS said that post August 5, Pakistan “appeared diplomatically isolated”, with Turkey being the only country to offer solid and explicit support for Islamabad’s position.PTI
Naqvi begins Centre’s Kashmir outreach
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/mukhtar-abbas-naqvi-begins-centres-kashmir-outreach/article30618210.ece?homepage=true
Srinagar:Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Tuesday became the first Union Minister to visit the Kashmir valley as part of Centre’s outreach programme following August 5 decision to end J&K’s autonomous status, and chose the underdeveloped pocket of Dara in Srinagar’s Harwan to kick-start the tour.Naqvi addressed a gathering of about 300 people, most of them residents of the under-developed hilly pocket of Dara.thehindu
MHA gets bigger role in picking J&K Police days after DSP’s arrest for ‘aiding militants’
https://theprint.in/india/governance/mha-gets-bigger-role-in-picking-jk-police-days-after-dsps-arrest-for-aiding-militants/353218/
Srinagar: Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is likely to get involved in the nitty-gritty of J&K Police administration, including the transfer of station house officers. J&K Lieutenant Governor GC Murmu issued an order last week stating that union territory administration’s decisions in police affairs will have to be taken in consultation with MHA’s special security adviser on Kashmir, K. Vijay Kumar.The order came 3 days after arrest of DSP Davinder Singh, who was allegedly caught ferrying militants from Kashmir to Jammu. theprint
J&K kids nationalists, sometimes motivated in wrong direction: Rajnath
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jk-kids-nationalists-sometimes-motivated-in-wrong-direction-india-pakistan-us-rajnath-singh-6229448/
New Delhi :Days after Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat said that girls and boys were being radicalised in Kashmir, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today said children of Jammu and Kashmir are nationalists, but they are sometimes being motivated in the wrong direction. Singh was speaking at NCC Republic Day Camp in Delhi.“Kids of Jammu Kashmir are nationalists. They shouldn’t be seen in any other way. Youngsters are youngsters only. Sometimes, the way they should be motivated, people do not motivate them. In fact, they are motivated in the wrong direction,” PTI quoted Singh as saying.“That is why the kids should not be blamed for this. The ones who are wrongly motivating them should be blamed. The ones who are motivating them in the wrong direction are the culprits,” he added.indianexpress
Pakistan and America are theocratic nations, India is secular: Rajnath
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pakistan-and-america-are-theocratic-nations-india-is-secular-rajnath-singh/story-N2xstWJigvzLXOtlyf36SI.html
New Delhi:Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today said Indian values consider all religions equal, and that is why the country is secular and never became a theocratic state like Pakistan.Singh said: “We (India) said we would not discriminate among religions. Why did we do that? Our neighbouring country has declared that their state has a religion. They have declared themselves a theocratic state. We didn’t declare so.” “Even America is a theocratic country. India is not a theocratic country. Why? Because our saints and seers did not just consider the people living within our borders as part of the family, but called everyone living in the world as one family,” the minister said.Singh underlined that India had never declared its religion would be Hindu, Sikh or Buddhist and people of all religions could live here.PTI
As FRA Implementation Hangs Fire, J&K's Nomadic Tribes Live in Uncertainty
https://thewire.in/rights/kashmir-forest-rights-act
Srinagar: For decades, the tribal communities of Gujjars and Bakerwals have faced marginalisation in Jammu and Kashmir. In recent years, these nomadic people have even been driven out of the forest areas of Jammu. When the Centre extended the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2007 to J&K last October, the landless tribals had assumed they would finally get the rights they have been fighting for decades.But that seems far from reality. The implementation of the law, also known as the Forest Rights Act (FRA), has not taken place, even after the passage of nearly 3 months.Senior PDP leader and former tribal affairs minister, Zulfikar Choudhary said the nomadic groups were living in a “constant state of pain.” “They are not welcomed in plains by people in Jammu and are harassed by the forest department inside the forests. Where shall they go,” he said.thewire
*OTHERS*
Democracy Index: India falls 10 spots to 51st rank, ‘erosion of civil liberties’ behind downtrend
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/democracy-index-report-2019-india-rank-6229994/
India plummeted 10 places to 51st position in the latest Democracy Index released by the Economist Intelligence Unit. In the report, the “erosion of civil liberties” in the country has been attributed as the primary cause for the downtrend. Included in the “flawed democracy” category, India’s overall score slipped from 7.23 in 2018 to 6.90 in the Index that provides a snapshot of the current state of democracy worldwide for 165 independent states and two territories. This report comes even as India witnesses nationwide protests against the controversial CAA and NRC. The index is based on five categories—electoral process and pluralism; the functioning of government; political participation; political culture; and civil liberties.Based on their total score, the countries are classified as one of four types of regime: “full democracy” (scores greater than 8); flawed democracy — scores greater than 6 and less than or equal to 8; hybrid regime — scores greater than 4 and less than or equal to 6; authoritarian regime — scores less than or equal to 4″. The overall list was topped by Norway, followed by Iceland and Sweden. Other countries in the top 10 include New Zealand at the fourth place, Finland (5th), Ireland (6th), Denmark (7th), Canada (8th), Australia (9th) and Switzerland (10th). Meanwhile, Pakistan was ranked 108th on the overall list with a score of 4.25, while Sri Lanka was at 69th place with a score of 6.27, Bangladesh (at 80th with 5.88 score). China’s score, on the other hand, fell to 2.26 in 2019 index, and the country is now ranked 153rd, close to the bottom of global rankings.North Korea was at the bottom of the global ranking at 167th place.indianexpress
Amid CAA protests, India slips 10 places in Democracy Index
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/amid-citizenship-act-protests-india-slips-10-places-in-democracy-index
BJP's priority is not development, but to create Hindu Rashtra: Shashi Tharoor
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/congress-shashi-tharoor-caa-nrc-hindu-rashtra-bjp-development-1639175-2020-01-22?fbclid=IwAR2qIkQAKv4oRk8692w2hxrIGQt-ZJuQYwYnOefrdF4hyfZ9W03r0Wz5xFA
Kolkata;Congress MP Shashi Tharoor today asserted that in the absence of any development agenda, what the BJP wants is to create a "Hindu Rashtra". Tharoor also claimed the real "tukde tukde gang" is the ruling party which is dividing the country into bits and pieces."With no development on its agenda, the ruling party is making a complete exposition of its agenda to create a Hindu Rashtra," Tharoor claimed.The present central government does not have the mentality for development, Tharoor alleged."The real tukde tukde gang is the ruling party which is dividing the country into bits and pieces. The party wants to divide us further the way the British Raj did through the divide and rule policy," Shashi Tharoor said.PTI
Centre asks SC to set 7-day time limit for death-row convicts to file mercy plea
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/centre-asks-supreme-court-to-set-7-day-time-limit-for-death-row-convicts-to-file-mercy-plea-curative-petition/story-Jrje4VIxVCN8H4Si7Pt1tN.html
Amid the uncertainty over the execution of the four men sentenced to death for 2012 Delhi gang rape case, the Centre on Wednesday approached the Supreme Court to introduce a 7-day deadline for death-row convicts to file mercy petitions. The government also wants the top court to introduce a time limit for filing of review and curative petitions in such cases.Centre requested the top court to amend its 2014 verdict in the Shatrughan Chauhan case where it had taken a dim view of the executive keeping mercy petitions on hold for years and ruled that this wait for a torture for the convicts.HT
‘External Force Did It?’ Municipality, Cops Pulled up for Shirking Responsibility of Razing 100 B'lore Shanties
https://www.news18.com/news/india/external-force-did-it-municipality-bengaluru-cops-pulled-up-for-shirking-responsibility-of-razing-100-shanties-2468607.html
Bengaluru: Chief Justice of Karnataka on Wednesday pulled up Bengaluru Police and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) after both refused to take responsibility for an eviction drive during which more than 100 makeshift homes were demolished.“Was it an external force that carried out the demolitions?” asked Chief Justice of Karnataka Abhay Shreeniwas Oka, while hearing a PIL that was filed against the demolition of over 100 ‘kutcha’ houses that left hundreds of people homeless in Kariyammana Agrahara area on January 18.Both police and BBMP shied away from taking responsibility, forcing justice Shreeniwas Oka to ask the state to take the blame as it all started with the letter that came from the local Marathalli police. Police had carried out the demolition and alleged that the tenants were “illegal Bangladeshi migrants”, and claimed the landowner had been sent an eviction notice.PIL was filed by PUCL, who argued that the action taken by BBMP and police was an act of collect criminality which discriminated against one community, as it violates Article 14, 19 (d) (e).Judge stated, "First, the government will have to withdraw the letter that came from the police. What authority does the police have to undertake such acts? Will they do it for all illegal structures across the city?"The matter will be next heard on Jan 30.news18
Relief for migrants in Bengaluru: Karnataka HC orders interim stay on demolition drive
https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/relief-migrants-bengaluru-karnataka-hc-orders-interim-stay-demolition-drive-116618
Kerala RSS worker arrested for bomb attack at police post
https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/kerala-rss-worker-arrested-bomb-attack-police-post-116617
A worker of RSS has been arrested for throwing a bomb at the police picket post in Nayanar Road, Ponniam, Thalassery, Kannur. Prabesh K, of Palaparambath House in Kodakkalam, was arrested from Coimbatore by Kathirur Sub Inspector of Police M Nijeesh, with civil police officers Joshith and Bijesh of Coimbatore.Nijeesh has confirmed the arrest on a call to TNM.The bomb exploded on the wee hours of January 16 morning, at around 1 am. It was a steel bomb that exploded at the Nayanar Road.The police have said that the accused has admitted to throwing the bomb near the Kathirur Manoj Seva Kendram in Nayanar Road. His real aim was to hit the Seva Kendram and not the police picket post, Prabesh told the police. It was a deliberate attempt to create a conflict there, the accused said in a statement to the police. Manoj Seva Kendram is the RSS party office in Kathirur.thenewsminute
Suspect in Mangaluru airport bomb case, Adithya Rao surrenders before police
https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/news/india/mangaluru-airport-bomb-suspect-arrested/articleshow/73511516.cms
Bengaluru: A 36-year-old man, who is suspected to have planted the explosive at Mangaluru Intentional Airport, surrendered before the police here today, officials said.The man turned up at DGP and IGP office here, where he has been detained for inquiry and medical tests.The suspect has been identified as Adithya Rao, a native of Manipal,they said, adding he resembled the one captured on CCTV footage at Mangaluru airport.The suspect confessed to having planted the bomb at the airport,sources said.Meanwhile, a team of police officials from Mangaluru have arrived in the city to question suspect.Mangaluru city police commissioner P S Harsha tweeted that investigation team will question the suspect and will initiate further necessary legal action.Police sources said, Rao, who was taken to Halsoor Gate police station in Bengaluru for questioning, is an engineering graduate and an MBA holder. He had earlier been arrested for making a hoax bomb call to Bengaluru airport in 2018 and was jailed for 6 months.PTI
Depression theory coined after terror suspect, who planted bag full of explosives at Mangaluru airport, is identified as Aditya Rao?
http://www.jantakareporter.com/india/depression-theory-coined-after-terror-suspect-who-planted-bag-full-of-explosives-at-mangaluru-airport-is-identified-as-aditya-rao/279756/
Maharashtra: 2 ‘SIMI members’ granted bail
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/maharashtra-2-simi-members-granted-bail-6228917/
Mumbai : 2 alleged members of SIMI, arrested by Maharashtra ATS last month in connection with a 2006 case, were Monday granted bail by a Mumbai court which observed that being an absconder for a long time itself cannot be a ground to reject bail.Ejaz Khan (40) and his brother Iliyas (48), were arrested on December 12 last year by ATS, which said they were members of the banned organisation. The prosecution said the two men were absconding since 2006 when many were arrested on allegations of being SIMI members following serial train blasts in the city.Lawyer OA Siddiqui, appearing for the two men, submitted before the court that the accused had been falsely implicated. He said the two were students in the city in 2006 and there was no evidence presented to show that they were SIMI members. He said the brothers had not absconded, but left the city for their native town Burhanpur in Madhya Pradesh, as they were unaware that a case had been filed against them.Siddiqui also claimed that the alleged literature seized by the ATS as evidence against SIMI members in similar cases, pertained to good manners and respecting one’s parents, which cannot be considered to be “objectionable”, “banned” or “anti-social” literature.The court took into consideration that the 13 people arrested in the case had been granted bail. The last two persons to be arrested in the case were released on bail in 2008.indianexpress
Shiv Sena Invites Rahul Gandhi To Ayodhya; 'allies Should Also Come With Us'
https://www.republicworld.com/india-news/politics/gamechanger-shiv-sena-invites-rahul-gandhi-to-ayodhya-on-mandir-visit.html?utm_source=izooto&utm_medium=push_notifications&utm_campaign=SenaAyodhya&utm_content=&utm_term=
After announcing Uddhav Thackeray's visit to Ayodhya after completing 100 days of governance, Sena MP Sanjay raut, on Wednesday, invited allies -Congress and NCP to visit the Ram Temple with them. Rubbishing that the allies would have any issues with visiting the Ram Mandir, he invited Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to Ayodhya - reminding him of his Somnath visit during the Lok Sabha campaign. Moreover, Raut said that the Ayodhya visit was a matter of faith, not a governmental stance that worked on CMM."Why will anyone get upset? This is not a government work, its a matter of faith. We will want our allies' ministers also with us. Rahul Gandhi visits Somnath mandir. Govt works on CMM, not on Mandir, Masjid, Church which is a matter of faith," he said. He added, "We had gone to Ayodhya before the elections and after. Uddhav is CM because of the grace of Lord Ram. We want to take blessings of Lord Ram after accomplishing 100 days in government. We will present our work at the feet of Lord Ram and the CM will perform aarati along with other programs."republicworld
Maharashtra CM to Visit Ayodhya on Completion of 100 Days in Power
https://www.news18.com/news/politics/maharashtra-cm-uddhav-thackeray-to-visit-ayodhya-on-completion-of-100-days-in-power-2469043.html
Ramalya Trust proposes to build tallest temple in the world in Ayodhya at 10,008 feet; Ram temple model includes indoor, outdoor auditoriums
https://www.firstpost.com/india/ramalya-trust-proposes-to-build-tallest-temple-in-the-world-in-ayodhya-at-10008-feet-ram-temple-model-includes-indoor-outdoor-auditoriums-7938871.html
Allahabad: Secretary of Ramalya Trust Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has presented a model of a Ram temple proposed to be built in Ayodhya.He said the people of the country want a unique Ram temple built in Ayodhya not only conforming to principles of the 'Vastu Shastra' but also to the 21st century construction standards. The Ram temple must be built keeping in mind the requirements of the large number of devotees who will visit it in future, Saraswati added. Ramalya Trust is committed to building a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya, the secretary said. "The first model submitted to us is by Aditya Gupta which is now being presented before the public," he said.Sharing the details of the model, he said it proposes 10,008 feet high structure which will be the tallest temple in the world. PTI
Ram Mandir replica at VHP camp in Magh Mela draws lakhs of devotees
https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/ram-mandir-replica-at-vhp-camp-in-magh-mela-draws-lakhs-of-devotees-4845321.html
Uttar Pradesh: Refused Rs 500 bribe, bureaucrat add 100 years to kids' age
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bareilly/uttar-pradesh-refused-500-bribe-babus-add-100-years-to-kids-age/articleshow/73508616.cms
Bareilly: An anti-corruption court in Bareilly has ordered the Shahjahanpur police to lodge an FIR against a village development officer and a village head officer posted at Khutar block of the district as they allegedly issued birth certificates to two minor kids after increasing their age by 100 years.The family of 2 children alleges that officers were asking for Rs 500 bribe for each certificate and they issued wrong certificates when they refused to pay.Police say that FIRs are yet to be lodged as the accused have taken stay against their arrest from Allahabad high court. The HC will take up the case on February 3.TOI
Before JNU Violence, Delhi Police 'Wrote 4 Letters' Urging Admin to Hold Talks With Students
https://thewire.in/rights/jnu-violence-delhi-police-letters
New Delhi: Before January 5 violence at JNU, the Delhi Police had written to the university authorities at least four times, stressing the need for them to “initiate dialogue with JNUSU”, a senior official said on Tuesday. The letters were written between November and December last year, he said.In one of the letters written to JNU)Registrar Pramod Kumar on November 26, SHO of Vasant Kunj (North) police station had said “a major law and order issue was created” as students were stopped twice by police during a protest march on November 18 against a hostel fee hike.PTI
No Dramatic in Kejriwal’s Assets After Becoming CM
https://thewire.in/politics/arvind-kejriwal-assets-delhi-chief-minister
New Delhi: While assets of several chief ministers have grown exponentially after they completed a term in office, those of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is contesting from the New Delhi seat, have only displayed a marginal rise, that too primarily owing to property appreciation.According to the affidavit filed by Kejriwal before the returning officer, his total assets rose to Rs 3.4 crore from around Rs 2.1 crore in 2015, primarily due to the increase in the market value of two properties: a flat he purchased in 1998 and another that he inherited.As per the affidavit, the cash and fixed deposits in the name of 51-year-old politician and his wife, Sunita, increased from around Rs 15 lakh in 2015 to Rs 57 lakh in 2020. This again was primarily due to Sunita receiving Rs 32 lakh in voluntary retirement benefits. Interestingly, Kejriwal’s income has shown a marked drop from Rs 7.42 lakh in 2014-15 to Rs 2.46 lakh the following year.thewire
Interpol Issues Blue Corner Notice to Help Locate Fugitive Nithyananda Wanted in Kidnapping Case
https://www.news18.com/news/india/interpol-issues-notice-to-help-locate-fugitive-self-styled-godman-nithyananda-2468777.html
New Delhi: Interpol has issued a Blue Corner Notice seeking information on Nithyananda who had fled India without a passport to save himself from a rape case registered against him in Karnataka, Gujarat Police said today. He is wanted in India in connection with multiple cases of rape and abduction.A Blue Corner Notice is issued by the international police cooperation body to collect additional information from its member countries about a person's identity, location or activities in relation to a crime. Police confirmed development in a charge sheet filed in a local court in connection with an FIR lodged against Nithyananda last November after 2 girls went missing from his ashram in Ahmedabad.news18
Passenger vehicle retail sales dip 9% in Dec: FADA
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/auto/miscellaneous/passenger-vehicle-retail-sales-dip-9-in-december-fada/articleshow/73488601.cms
Automobile dealers' body FADA on Tuesday said retail sales of passenger vehicles in December 2019 declined 9 per cent to 2,15,716 units year-on-year, as even the best offers failed to lift weak consumer sentiments. According to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), passenger vehicles (PV) sales stood at 2,36,586 units in December 2018.2-wheeler sales declined 16 per cent to 12,64,169 units last month as compared with 15,00,545 units in Dec 2018.PTI
Maharashtra to make Marathi mandatory in all schools
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/maharashtra-government-to-make-marathi-mandatory-in-all-schools/article30621786.ece?homepage=true
Maharashtra government will enact a law during the next Assembly session, making it mandatory to teach Marathi language in all schools in the state irrespective of mediums of instructions, said Industries Minister Subhash Desai.Desai, a Shiv Sena leader who is also the Marathi Language Minister, said the draftbill in this connection is being prepared.PTI
Maharashtra government makes it compulsory for school students to read the Preamble to Constitution
https://scroll.in/latest/950703/maharashtra-government-makes-it-compulsory-for-school-students-to-read-the-preamble-to-constitution
International study centre better than tallest statue for Dalit icon: VBA chief Prakash Ambedkar
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/international-study-centre-better-than-tallest-statue-for-dalit-icon-vba-chief-prakash-ambedkar-6228919/
Mumbai :VBA president Prakash Ambedkar has reiterated his reservations to the proposed statue for Dalit icon Dr B R Ambedkar and suggested that an international study centre dedicated to the architect of the Indian Constitution would be a better tribute. Dalit leader’s comments come days after he suggested the Bombay High Court asked the state government to utilise funds sanctioned for the proposed statue of his grandfather at Indu Mill in Mumbai for improvement of the cash-strapped Wadia hospitals for women and children instead.“The greatness of BR Ambedkar cannot be measured with the height of a statue. It is a futile exercise undertaken by successive governments to serve their politics,” said Prakash. Indian Express.
Muslims insisted on Cong joining govt to keep BJP out: Ashok Chavan
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/muslims-insisted-on-cong-joining-govt-to-keep-bjp-out-ashok-chavan-6228920/
Mumbai :A video of PWD Minister and senior Congress leader Ashok Chavan purportedly saying that his party joined the Shiv Sena-led government on “insistence” of the “Muslim community” to stop the BJP from returning to power has gone viral on social media.Chavan Tuesday said he meant “pressure from all communities, including Muslims” in his speech. The remarks were purportedly made while he was addressing a rally against the CAA in Nanded recently.In the purported video, Chavan is heard saying in Hindi:“We have a (coalition) government in place in the state. The Congress decided to join the government to avoid the (repeat of) losses the state had suffered in the last five years (when BJP was in power). Our Muslim brothers also insisted that we join the government to keep the biggest enemy, BJP, away from power.”indianexpress
Bhima Koregaon violence: Will decide on review after getting info on evidence, says Anil Deshmukh
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bhima-koregaon-violence-will-decide-on-review-after-getting-info-on-evidence-says-anil-deshmukh-6228815/
Mumbai:Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said on Tuesday that a decision to review cases related to the Bhima Koregaon violence will be taken Wednesday after the police informs him and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar what evidence they have in connection to the registered cases.Speaking at an Idea Exchange at Loksatta, Deshmukh further said that unlike the previous government that had “labelled” anyone disagreeing with it as “urban naxals”, the current regime will approach those opposing it in a better manner, as “in a democracy, everyone has a right to express his/her opinion”.“A decision on reviewing the Bhima Koregaon cases will be taken after we go through a presentation of the evidence (by police) in these cases. On Wedn-esday, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and I will see the presentation and decide on the further course of action. There have been demands for creation of an SIT,” Deshmukh said. At present, a two-member inquiry commission is looking into the January 2018 incident.indianexpress
Gogoi sexual harassment case: SC employee who complained against ex CJI reinstated, says report
https://scroll.in/latest/950705/gogoi-sexual-harassment-case-sc-employee-who-complained-against-former-cji-reinstated-says-report
The Supreme Court has reinstated the woman employee who had levelled sexual harassment allegations against former CJI Ranjan Gogoi, Indian Express reported. The woman joined duty and then went on leave, sources told the paper. They added that all her arrears have been cleared. In April last year, the woman, who had earlier worked as a junior court assistant at the Supreme Court, alleged in an affidavit that Gogoi made sexual advances on her at his residence office on October 10 and October 11, 2018..scroll
Jamia's Law Students Win Best Memorial Award At International Criminal Law Moot Court Competition
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/jamia-millias-law-students-win-best-memorial-award-at-international-criminal-law-moot-court-competition?fbclid=IwAR2-mr0dzOZuwawqX6Wc3HYuid1RZta_fbznBqi20oxc_NKUM6AexDIqftw
3 law students of Jamia Millia Islamia has won the Best Memorial Award at the prestigious K. K. Luthra International Criminal Law Moot Court Competition.The contest was held at Delhi University earlier this week. Jamia’s law students Vareesha Irfan, Raza Husain Zaidi and Nabira Farman have won the Best Memorial Award. They also received Rs 20,000 as cash prize.India Tomorrow
*WORLD*
Trump impeachment: US Senate approves trial rules
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/trump-impeachment-senate-approves-trial-rules-200122011849215.html
After more than 12 hours of debate and several failed Democratic bids for amendments calling for documents and witnesses, the US Senate approved a resolution along party lines outlining the rules that will govern the impeachment proceedings of President Donald Trump. With Republicans banding together, the Senate early on Wednesday voted 53-47 to adopt the trial plan, which allows opening arguments from House lawmakers prosecuting the case to begin later in the day.The trial started in earnest on Tuesday with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell abruptly abandoning plans to cram opening arguments into two late-night sessions for each side.Instead, managers from House of Representatives and Trump's defence lawyers will now each have three days for 24 hours of opening arguments.McConnell's handwritten, last-minute changes stunned fellow senators and delayed the start of the proceedings. He acted after protests from senators, including fellow Republicans, who were concerned about the optics of middle of the night sessions.aljazeera
Saudi crown prince implicated in hack of Jeff Bezos' phone, UN report to say
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/saudi-crown-prince-implicated-hack-jeff-bezoss-phone-un-report-say
2 UN officials will report on Wednesday that there is enough evidence suggesting that Saudi Arabia hacked Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' phone and both the kingdom and US should investigate, a person familiar with the matter has said. United Nations' officials plan a public statement asserting that they found credible a forensic report commissioned by Bezos' security team which concluded that his phone probably had been hacked with a tainted video sent from a WhatsApp account belonging to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.The report by FTI Consulting concluded that massive amounts of data began leaving Bezos' phone about a month after the video was shared in mid-2018, the person told Reuters, declining to be identified due to sensitivity of the subject.Outside experts consulted by UN agreed that while the case was not airtight, the evidence was strong enough to warrant a fuller investigation.The report is set to worsen relations between the world's richest man and the kingdom which had soured following the murder of Saudi Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, who was a columnist for Middle East Eye and the Bezos-owned Washington Post. UK's Guardian newspaper first reported the crown prince's alleged involvement on Tuesday. Middle East Eye
Not behind Jeff Bezos phone hack: Saudi calls report absurd
https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/saudi-arabia-on-jeff-bezos-phone-hack-1639000-2020-01-22
At least 10 killed in 2 days of violent protests across Iraq
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/10-killed-days-violent-protests-iraq-200121144609810.html
At least 10 people have been killed in the last two days of violent protests across Iraq, the country's High Commission for Human Rights announced.According to the commission, demonstrators were killed in the capital Baghdad, Diyala, Basra and Karbala, in addition to 138 who were wounded."The Commission teams have also documented the presence of some demonstrations who have blocked main roads connecting the governorates, burned tires, continued closure of official departments and educational institutions, and the disruption of many public facilities that provide services to citizens," the commission said.Iraqi police fought running street battles with anti-government demonstrators on Tuesday, firing tear gas and rubber bullets to try to disperse stone-throwing youth pressing for an overhaul of a political system they see as deeply corrupt.Tuesday's unrest followed violent gatherings on Monday where six Iraqis, including two police officers, were killed and scores wounded across the country.aljazeera
Masked gunmen assassinate Basij commander in south-west Iran
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200122-masked-gunmen-assassinate-basij-commander-in-south-west-iran/
Today, masked gunmen assassinated a local commander of the Basij paramilitary security forces in Iran’s southwestern Khuzestan province in front of his house. Abdolhosein Mojaddami was shot dead by two unknown persons who were riding a motorcycle according to the official IRNA.Mojaddami, who headed the local Basij force in the town of Darkhoein, was said to be an associate of the recently slain top general Qassem Soleimani. The Basij is a volunteer organisation operating under IRGC and is used for internal security and other tasks such as clamping down against dissent.MEMO
Israeli troops kill 3 Palestinians near Gaza fence
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/israeli-troops-kill-palestinians-gaza-fence-200122064009632.html
Israeli forces have shot and killed three Palestinians by Gaza's perimeter fence, Israeli military has said.Israeli army said the group threw an explosive device towards them after attempting to cross the fence from the besieged Gaza Strip on Tuesday evening.It said troops had cordoned off an area near the southern end of the Palestinian coastal enclave after spotting "3 suspects" crossing the frontier."[They] searched the area towards the suspects who hurled a grenade or explosive device at troops," who then opened fire on the 3 Palestinians, the military said.Local media reported that the three slain Palestinians were identified as Mohammad Abu Mandeel, Salem Zuweid an-Na'ami, and Mahmoud Khaled Sa'id.A police source in Gaza said they were civilians without affiliations with armed groups in Gaza. He questioned the Israeli account that they threw explosives towards troops.aljazeera
UN calls for lifting Israel siege on Gaza
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200122-un-calls-for-lifting-israel-siege-on-gaza/
UN has called on Israel to lift its crippling siege of Gaza Strip adding that support for Palestinians must continue until a solution is reached for crisis.In a press conference held in UN headquarters, spokesman for UN Secretary-General, Stéphane Dujarric, said that the call for lifting the siege was made by Ursula Mueller, the UN assistant secretary-general for humanitarian affairs.Mueller made her call after completing a six-day visit to the Palestinian territories and Israel.middleeastmonitor
Netanyahu vows to annex all settlements ‘without exception’
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200122-netanyahu-vows-to-annex-all-settlements-without-exception/
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Tuesday to annex all settlements in the occupied West Bank as he officially launched his election campaign, reported Times of Israel. Likud leader made the remarks on the same day that his main rival Benny Gantz had promised to annex the Jordan Valley region of the occupied West Bank. Netanyahu said his government would “immediately” extend Israeli sovereignty over all West Bank settlements “without exception”. Netanyahu also attacked the Blue and White leader, suggesting that the former military chief’s commitment to annexing the Jordan Valley was an election campaign bluff.MEMO
At least 12 killed in Russia-led air raids near Syria's Aleppo
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/russia-led-air-strikes-syria-aleppo-kill-12-200121153602584.html
Russia-led air raids have killed at least 12 people in Syria where a large government offensive to clear out rebels has sent tens of thousands of people fleeing towards the border with Turkey, according to residents and rescuers.On Tuesday, a family of eight, including six children, was killed in the rural village of Kfar Taal west of government-controlled Aleppo, while another four civilians were killed in Maardabseh southeast of Idlib province."God take revenge on all tyrants. There is no one else left in my family," Abu Yasser, 71, a relative of the family wiped out in Kfar Taal, said in a voice recording sent to Reuters News Agency.aljazeera
Report: 13 children among 50 dead in 10 days in Syria’s Idlib
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200122-report-13-children-among-50-dad-in-ten-days-in-syrias-idlib/
Lebanon appoints first female defence minister in Arab World
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200122-lebanon-appoints-first-female-defence-minister-in-arab-world/
Lebanon has appointed a female member of parliament as its defence minister, as part of its shake up following mass protests in the country.Prime Minister Hassan Diab, who has recently accepted his role following the resignation of ex Saad Hariri, now leads a government consisting of 6 female ministers, including the new Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Zeina Akar Adra.middleeastmonitor
coronavirus cases rise to 440, with 9 deaths: China
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/china-coronavirus-cases-rise-440-deaths-200122023126709.html
China's National Health Commission said on Wednesday that nine people had died from a new coronavirus and 440 people across 13 Chinese provinces had been confirmed to be infected and warned that the still-unidentified virus could mutate.The number of cases of the infection, known by its technical name 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), is greater than total of over 300 reported earlier on Tuesday.aljazeera
*views, Articles, FEATURES*
The SC is largely responsible for the chaos around the CAA and NRC:Faizan Mustafa, Aymen Mohammed, thehindu
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-great-indian-citizenship-mess/article30609610.ece?homepage=true
Supreme Court’s hearing-as-usual approach on CAA shows Indians need to go back to streets:YOGENDRA YADAV
https://theprint.in/opinion/supreme-courts-hearing-as-usual-approach-on-caa-shows-indians-need-to-go-back-to-streets/353061/
CAA-led narrative on religious persecution ignores political specificity, nuance in neighbourhood:Sanjib Baruah, indian express
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/bangladesh-minorities-caa-nrc-citizenship-act-india-6228629/
Shaheen Bagh just knows how to fight every battle:Sahil M Beg , indianexpress
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/web-edits/shaheen-bagh-women-anti-caa-nrc-protests-jnu-violence-6229663/
How India uses colonial-era sedition law against CAA protesters:Anumeha Yadav , aljazeera
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/india-colonial-era-sedition-law-caa-protesters-200120100338578.html
SC ruling on Kashmir internet shutdown limits arbitrariness of executive power:Ashok Bhan
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/supreme-court-ruling-jammu-kashmir-internet-shutdown-6228690/
1987 : Twin Massacres of Muslims at Meerut and Maliana by Police:Saquib Salim
http://heritagetimes.in/1987-meerut-maliana-massacre-muslims/?fbclid=IwAR3DEyLdZjdHEaOZVnjNIUte0V1TWO4bT7z1-_Sjb_gvHkDunRgAcYEPxH0
Remembering Graham Staines, 21 Years After His Murder:AAKASH JOSHIUP
https://www.thequint.com/news/india/remembering-graham-staines-17-years-after-his-murder?fbclid=IwAR2ZfdTqblNrBvfGfdHReGFvxeIDwIzsZ3jS83OKMgm8CenuJYoXzANzD6M
Analyzing Section 44A Of CPC In Light Of Recent Govt.Notification Declaring UAE As A Reciprocating Country Aditya Jain & Pranav Sharma
https://www.livelaw.in/columns/analyzing-section-44a-of-cpc-in-the-light-of-recent-govtnotification-declaring-uae-as-a-reciprocating-country-151843?fbclid=IwAR3nThLwJ0QTJ0w7uoFS0oMKBTN0SQqOzCeC4hOB8L5lIa5xupn4jh7cq34
Indian liberals who want Muslims to stop wearing their identity at protests are being hypocritical:Nafis Haider, scroll
https://scroll.in/article/950391/indian-liberals-who-want-muslims-to-stop-wearing-their-identity-at-protests-are-being-hypocritical
Shaheen Bagh Movement Isn’t About One Identity — It’s About ‘Haq’:PURUSHOTTAM AGRAWAL
https://www.thequint.com/voices/opinion/shaheen-bagh-protests-caa-nrc-identity-politics-muslims-indian-citizenship-modi-govt
Karzai and Sheikh Hasina Do Not See Merit in CAA:M.K.BHADRAKUMAR
https://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/NewsDetail/index/4/18200/Karzai-and-Sheikh-Hasina-Do-Not-See-Merit-in-CAA
At Kolkata's Park Circus Maidan, how a homemaker's call to resist CAA-NRC blossomed into a protest: Arshia Dhar , firstpost
https://www.firstpost.com/long-reads/at-kolkatas-park-circus-maidan-how-a-homemakers-call-to-resist-caa-nrc-blossomed-into-a-protest-7919401.html
IMF’s 4.8% Growth Outlook For India Points To ‘Fluid Situation’ In Financial Sector:Madan Sabnavis
https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/opinion-imfs-48-growth-outlook-for-india-points-to-fluid-situation-in-financial-sector/346042
Watch: When Shaheen Bagh Showed Solidarity With Kashmiri Pandits:Arfa Khanum Sherwani, thewire
https://thewire.in/rights/shaheen-bagh-kashmiri-pandits
No, Gen. Rawat, 'Radicalisation' is Not a Drug Habit, You Can't Send Boys to 'Camp' for it:N.C. Asthana, thewire
https://thewire.in/rights/general-bipin-rawat-radicalisation-kashmir
Kashmir's Women Entrepreneurs Watch Helplessly as the Social Media Ban Kills Their Businesses:Yashraj Sharma, thewire
https://thewire.in/women/kashmir-internet-social-media-ban
How India’s trade with Iran could get affected amid rising Iran-US tensions
https://www.thehindu.com/data/how-indias-trade-with-iran-could-get-affected-amid-rising-iran-us-tensions/article30625426.ece
Fact Check: Truth about posts claiming man wore burka at anti-CAA protest at Shaheen Bagh
https://www.hindustantimes.com/it-s-viral/fact-check-truth-about-posts-claiming-man-wore-burka-at-anti-caa-protest-at-shaheen-bagh/story-LsV5HaU2y6CBQJMooowY5I.html
Anti-CAA protests: Artists express feelings, thoughts on NRC, NPR, CAA through artwork
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/flick-past/anti-caa-protests-artists-express-feelings-thoughts-on-nrc-npr-caa-through-artwork
Thank You, Messrs Modi-Shah, You Woke Us Up!Dr Zafarul-Islam Khan, indiatomorrow
http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/thank-you-messrs-modi-shah-you-woke-us-up
Compiled and edited by Anwarulhaq (Released at: 8:07 PM).
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